I woke up at 4AM, which is 9PM the day before in Texas. When I realized I couldn't sleep, I played Sudoku for a while. I woke up again about 1PM. David had coffee and bread for me, and we went out into the day to be rattled, culture-shocked and confused. No, it wasn't that bad, but we were confused about how to get from the flat to the convention center. We took a tram for a while, then got out and were totally lost. The written directions they left for us made no sense at all, and a kind woman that saw the terrified look on our faces, holding our maps like clueless tourists, offered to help us figure it out. It was so easy once she got us going. We just walked to the train, and took it to the CeBit site.This place is HUGE. It is about 1.5 times larger than NextFest. There are several buildings, and a map is required to find ones way to ones booth. I've only seen exhibits from the restroom to the booth, and from the sandwitch shop to the booth. There are all manners of high-tech cars. The folks don't look like they are all set up and ready for tomorrow, but it's amazing how these things come together at the last minute.We are exhibiting with the cool New Zealanders. It's fun to make friends at these conventions and then see them again in another city on the other side of the world. Technology really is a specialized and small corner of the world. Know what I mean?We are here as guests of New Zealand, and they are parading us around like their show ponies. We have to go to this thing on Wednesday night, after the event, where there will only be "important" "high-level" people. Those things make me nervous. I end up drinking too much wine just to compensate. I'll try not to for this one, since I am actually here "working".

Okay, I can totally relate to the wine/nervousness thing. Here's what I suggest: prepare like you were an athlete preparing for an important marathon. Extra sleep, seriously good nutrition, no alcohol. I've found that if I do it, I have less nervousness and feel more in control in general. And you know how much I prefer to soften things with our favorite softeners. But I think this just might work for you. Seriously - don't just eat - eat uber-healthy high energy foods. If you're going to do meat, do it early in the day, but not within say 3 hours of the most important meet'n'greet, because meat can leach a lot of energy digesting. Think of it as preparing for the Mass.

Because, you know, you are fantastic. You are beautiful, smart, funny, and probably seem as exotic as Jerry Hall must have when she first got to London. Just be yourself. It's your secret weapon. You are one of the most naturally charming people I think I've ever met. Use it.